[A] MILITARY sergeant who downloaded illegal images of “very young” children has been sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court.
Samuel Gault, 54, admitted four offences which emerged after his arrest at a North Yorkshire airfield. Analysis of computer equipment revealed Gault – formerly of Brampton, near Carlisle – had downloaded scores of illegal images of youngsters.
He was sentenced today (FRI) having admitted three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, and possessing 77 illegal images.
Gault was a sergeant with the Military Provost Guard Service, but had left his job due to his offending and put his marriage “at risk”.
Judge Barbara Forrester heard mitigation on Gault’s behalf, including his remorse, and that he had sought professional assistance. As a result, a 20-month prison sentence was suspended for two years.
Gault, now of Priory Gardens, Corbridge, must complete 140 hours’ unpaid work and rehabilitation. He must sign the sex offenders’ register and follow the terms of a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.
Judge Forrester called his crimes “a very serious situation indeed”.
